Ricky Gervais and Jonathan Ross had been lined up to star in a day of programmes next year, designed to “raise consciousness” about the environment.

The event would have involved viewers in a mass “switch-off” to save energy. But BBC figures gave warning that the concept could be the latest in a series of campaigns, disguised as entertainment, that breached impartiality guidelines.

Impartial and BBC are mutually exclusive terms.

Advocates of Planet Relief finally relented after viewers said that they wanted intelligent programmes about climate change instead of lectures from hypocritical pop stars and celebrities.

Gee, Brits realize pop stars don't know everything.

The revolt was led by Peter Barron, editor of the BBC Two Newsnightprogramme. He said that it was “not the corporation’s job to save the planet”. He added: “If the BBC is thinking about campaigning on climate change, then that is wrong and not our job.” Peter Horrocks, head of BBC television news, added: We should be giving people information, not leading them.” The BBC has now scrapped the concept. Negative reaction to this summer’s flop Live Earth concert, promoted by Al Gore, was cited as a factor.

That is probably the main reason. Low raithings.

Audience feedback found that viewers wanted serious, informed programmes about the planet’s future.